Together, Margaret and Alison represent the heart of what the Women in Water award honors: women who lift others as they rise, and who leave the profession stronger than they found it.
Often, we refer to water and wastewater operators as the unsung heroes of their communities. Operators perform a vital job that is felt in every corner of the societies these plants and utilities serve. It is integral to WPI’s mission that we continue to shed light on the necessity of water and wastewater operators and the work they do. While doing so, we also reach for those stories untold in a career that already faces a lack of visibility.
In the United States, according to a 2018 Brookings survey, only 14.9% of the water workforce is made up of women, with an even smaller percentage of women working outside of administrative roles. Internationally, a 2019 World Bank Utility Study found that only 22% of industry employees are women. However, that number extends beyond employees. When it came to Board Members, an IBNET study found that only 25% were female, and just 13% of women were in a Managing Director or CEO role.
These trends are part of the reason WPI decided to unveil a new award for our 2026 Annual Conference: The Margaret Doss Women in Water Award. Paul Bishop, President and CEO, and Haley Vanness, Vice President, noted that this award establishes a recognition that specifically addresses the unique challenges—and successes—women face and achieve in the industry, “While women have long contributed to the field, their work has often gone without proportional recognition. This award was created to change that, celebrating those who lead with humility, mentor the next generation, and advance professional standards across the industry,” Bishop says.
When it came to naming and choosing who would receive the award, Haley Vanness, Vice President, shares that it wasn’t a difficult decision.
“The award was named for Margaret Doss because she is the living embodiment of everything it represents. A WPI member since 1992, Margaret spent over three decades contributing to the organization without seeking recognition. WPI has honored her with its highest accolades, including the Harris Seidel Lifetime Achievement Award, yet what defines Margaret most is not the honors she’s received but the standard she set.”
The first recipient of the award was none other than Alison McGee, PO, who served as Past Chair of the Board of Directors and is currently the Chair of the Certification Commission for Environmental Professionals. McGee’s selection as the first recipient was an easy decision, according to Paul and Haley.
“[Alison’s] career and character reflect the same qualities that make Margaret’s legacy so remarkable. What set [her] apart for this recognition wasn’t just the roles she held, but how she held them. She leads by example, listens before she speaks, and consistently shows up with the same energy and commitment whether the audience is one person or one hundred. She asks what is needed rather than what will be noticed, a quality that speaks directly to the servant leadership this award was designed to honor. As the inaugural recipient, Alison sets the bar for all future honorees.”
We invited both Doss and McGee to speak about what receiving this award meant to them in their own words, and we are pleased to be able to share their stories below:
Margaret Doss
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a scientist. I asked for a microscope for Christmas when I was around six years old, and I was constantly using it to look at critters I found in mud puddles and ponds. Little did I realize back then that I would grow up to be a water scientist! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community by helping protect the public health and the environment.
I graduated with a degree in microbiology from Clemson University in 1986. Shortly after, Scott”—Margaret’s husband—“and I moved to Hickory, North Carolina, and I was looking for a job related to microbiology. I found one working at the wastewater treatment plant laboratory in Newton, North Carolina. I loved it!
In 1991, I was hired by Columbia County to work as a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst. I’ve moved up through my years at the County to my current position of Compliance Manager. My involvement with WPI started in 1992, courtesy of Ernie Earn, a Past President. In 2001, the Governor of Georgia appointed me to the State Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts. Because Georgia’s Board was a member of WPI, at Ernie’s suggestion, I ran for a WPI Board office and was elected Wastewater Division Director. I subsequently served as Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Past President. I am still involved in a variety of WPI committees, and I thoroughly enjoy it! I am enamored with the whole psychometric process. WPI is a dynamic, innovative organization recognized as a leader in the water industry. I am thankful for my many years of association with WPI and hope that I can continue to contribute to its ongoing success. Again, the fact that WPI named an award for me is a career highlight I could never have imagined; I am exceedingly grateful for the honor.
It is humbling and exciting for me to be honored and recognized by my peers for doing my job well. My Momma always taught me, as the Bible says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, and not for man.” (Col. 3:23). She would usually add: “Even when no one is watching.” To know that people are watching and that I am having a positive impact in this industry is an amazing blessing. I (for once in my life) was speechless when Paul announced that the new award WPI was presenting, recognizing women in water, would be named the Margaret Doss Award. I am incredibly grateful to be honored by WPI for having an influence in the water industry, but there are many others who have a part in this: my husband, Scott, and my children, George and Elizabeth, for their unwavering support; strong women in our industry who were in leadership in WPI (then ABC) before me (Kathy Cook, Peggy Barton, Cheryl Bergener), and Columbia County for allowing me to be involved in WPI. I love this industry; the people in it are amazing! I sincerely hope that I am an encouraging role model for future generations of people in our industry. I hope this award provides an opportunity for women to be recognized on an ongoing basis for their contributions to the water industry and inspires them to mentor others.
I was very pleased that my friend Alison McGee, P.O., was presented with the inaugural Margaret Doss Women in Water Award. There are some similarities in our stories: Alison started as a laboratory technician before moving to operations, then to management. She was introduced to WPI by a former Board member and became active, serving as Board Chair in 2022. She continues to advance the mission of WPI and is a strong voice advocating for worthwhile initiatives in our industry. Congratulations, Alison!”
Alison McGee, PO
It is a distinct honor to receive the inaugural Margaret Doss Women in Water Award. An award honoring Margaret’s legacy highlights her profound impact on the water industry and the standard she has set for women in this field. Her blend of technical expertise and genuine community service has inspired countless professionals, including me. Standing alongside someone who has so greatly shaped our field reinforces my commitment to the values of stewardship, collaboration, and excellence.
My journey in the water industry has been driven by a passion for solving complex challenges, supporting the communities I serve, and building sustainable, resilient systems that will stand the test of time. Over the years, I’ve learned that real progress is achieved through collaboration, perseverance, and a steadfast dedication to public service. Every operational, environmental, and organizational challenge has strengthened my resolve to ensure that future generations inherit water systems they can trust.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my career has been my involvement with WPI. This work has allowed me to learn from others, contribute to shared goals, and advocate for the development of competent water and wastewater professionals. WPI has been a place where I’ve grown and given back, and receiving this award encourages me to deepen that engagement—especially by supporting women and emerging professionals who are forging their own paths in the industry.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue making a positive impact by championing sustainability, promoting inclusive leadership, helping our industry adapt to evolving challenges, and supporting the communities served. My goal is to help build a future where diverse voices are heard, innovation is encouraged, and every person has access to the safe, reliable water that sustains us all. This award is both a milestone and a beginning. It renews my commitment to the work, the people, and the mission that inspires me every day.
This International Women’s History Month, WPI is proud to honor two of the women who have led the organization to its success today. We know their work will continue to support and hold the water and wastewater industry to a gold standard. There are no two people more deserving of this inaugural award.
Read more about the amazing women in our industry below.
